His Apprentice (The Dragon Prince Fanfiction)

Ch. 6 Knowledge

"So, how did you become a Dragonguard? Especially so young?" Rayla asked from her shadowpaw. She walked by Heather and Réalta as they moved towards Spireville.

"I guess my drill sergeants noticed me and reported me to their superiors, who told King Avizandum," Heather replied, looking from Rayla to the humans beside her. King Ezran and Prince Callum shared Janai's twin-tailed inferno-tooth tiger, while Soren rode a moonstrider, whom he had completely under control-which impressed Heather.

To her other side were Khonsu and Elara. Heather knew that if these two weren't by her side, she'd be walking to the barracks, as Réalta would not be willing to stay near Rayla-for any amount of time.

Khonsu glanced at Heather, subtly shaking his head.

"Still, you need to prove yourself in the Dragonguard trial, a test unlike any other. That is the deciding factor as to whether you are worthy of wearing the uniform," Heather continued, looking forward in her rugged posture.

"Not at all cocky, are you?" Aaravos asked rhetorically in all but a whisper. Heather smiled to herself.

"What's the Dragonguard trial?" Rayla asked.

"I cannot tell you. I am sworn to secrecy; as is every other Dragonguard." She pulled her Dragonguard necklace out from under her sash. Dragonguards used it to find each other and to know if the Archdragon they watched over was in danger. Most wore it as a badge, but Heather wore it as a necklace for convenience.

Rayla inclined her head. "I understand."

Heather ran her hand over Réalta's black and red coat, feeling his intense heat against her skin. "But if you're anything like your parents-and if I remember correctly, you are-you'll be fine and you'll pass first try."

"Can I prepare for it?"

Heather nodded her head. "With the proper training, yes."

"What type of training would that be?"

"I find military training is best. Soldiers have to face threats head-on, with their weapons and nothing more. Assassins use their enemies' senses against them; that will be useless against in the Dragonguard trial."

Rayal hesitated, wounded by Heather's words. "Can you teach me?"

Heather hesitated, glancing down at Khonsu. "I can't. I have to guard the Archmage for the time being," she gestured to the caterpillar on her shoulders. "I'm sure one of the other Dragonguards will be happy to train you. Or you can wait until we find Tiadrin and Lain; whichever you prefer."

"You can do that?"

"Queen Zubeia has many plans."

"What does that mean?"

Heather stayed silent.

I've said too much! I wasn't supposed to mention anything from this morning's meeting.

"That's all I can say."

They stopped in front of the walls of Spireville.

"Do you want to go into the town? Or would you like to explore the forest nearby?" Heather asked them.

"Well, Queen Zubeia was made it quite clear that we should stay in the barracks before we travel to Xadia. So we should probably go to the barracks," informed Prince Callum. "So, can you bring us there?"

Heather looked at the gates. "The barracks are inside the town. I'll lead you there." She looked up at the stone turrets on either side of the enchanted wooden gates.

Heather slipped her forefinger and thumb into her mouth and whistled and three times. A yellow dragon-shifter in silver armour looked over the wall and saw Heather in her uniform.